
Slip this slim little evergreen into your current read or gift it to a book-loving friend for a quick, charming holiday make. This free crochet pattern creates a lovely forest green and gold bookmark about 7 inches long, featuring a neat little chain-and-sc stem, a flat textured tree, and a sweet gold star on its tip.
30-Minute Crochet Christmas Tree Bookmark – Free Pattern
Quick Facts
- Skill level: Easy / Beginner-friendly
- Finished size: Approximately 7 inches (18 cm) long by 2.25 inches (6 cm) wide at the base
- Yarn: Sport or DK weight cotton yarn in Forest Green and Gold
- Hook: 3.5 mm (US E/4) crochet hook
- Stitches used: Chain (ch), single crochet (sc), slip stitch (sl st)
- Time to make: 30 minutes
Size tips and customization options are included further down the page.
What Makes This Crochet Christmas Tree Bookmark Special
This project is worked in simple, portable sections that come together in minutes. The flat tree motif uses basic stitches built from the base up, while the stem is constructed with a sturdy foundation chain and rows of single crochet so it holds its shape inside a book without adding unwanted bulk. The gold star is added right to the top, and surface slip stitches create a delicate garland effect across the evergreen branches.
Skill Level
- Basic understanding of crochet terminology and reading patterns
- Ability to work in rows and basic foundation chains
- Familiarity with working slip stitches on the surface of your crochet work
You will pick up these techniques in no time with the step-by-step instructions below!
Finished Measurements
| Dimension | Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 7.0 in | 18.0 cm |
| Width (Tree Base) | 2.25 in | 6.0 cm |
| Width (Stem) | 0.5 in | 1.3 cm |
Materials You Will Need
| Color | Yarn Type | Weight | Yards | Meters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forest Green | 100% Cotton | Sport / DK | 25 yds | 23 m |
| Gold | 100% Cotton | Sport / DK | 5 yds | 5 m |
- Hook: 3.5 mm (US E/4) crochet hook
- Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, sharp embroidery scissors
Yarn Suggestions
| Yarn Line | Weight | Skein Yardage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schachenmayr Catania | Sport (Fine 2) | 137 yds per 50g | Excellent stitch definition and rich holiday colors |
| Lion Brand Coboo | DK (Light 3) | 232 yds per 100g | A smooth cotton-bamboo blend with a lovely drape |
| Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/4 | Fingering / Sport | 186 yds per 50g | 100% cotton with a vast color palette |
⚠️ Note: Avoid using fuzzy yarns like mohair or chunky wool for this project. Smooth cotton or cotton blends give the tree crisp edges and keep the bookmark flat so it doesn’t warp your book pages.
Gauge
- 20 sts x 22 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet using a 3.5 mm hook.
- Gauge is not critical for this project, but maintaining a firm, even tension ensures your bookmark stays neat and durable.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rep: repeat
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
UK: sc = dc, hdc = htr, dc = tr.
Special Stitches Explained
- Surface Slip Stitch: Insert your hook from the front to the back through the fabric, yarn over with the working yarn behind your work, pull a loop through to the front, and pull it directly through the loop on your hook.
Pattern Instructions
Pattern Notes:
– The bookmark is worked in two main pieces: the Stem and Tree base, followed by the Star and surface crochet garlands.
– Turning chains do not count as stitches unless explicitly stated.
Section 1: Stem and Tree Base (Forest Green, make 1)
Row 1: Ch 11, working into the back bumps of the chain, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn (10 sc)
Rows 2 to 14: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn (10 sc)
This forms the long stem portion of your bookmark.
Row 15: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in next 6 sts, sc2tog, turn (8 sc)
Row 16: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn (8 sc)
Row 17: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog, turn (6 sc)
Row 18: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn (6 sc)
Row 19: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog, turn (4 sc)
Row 20: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn (4 sc)
Row 21: Ch 1, sc2tog twice, turn (2 sc)
Row 22: Ch 1, sc2tog, fasten off Forest Green, leaving a 6-inch tail (1 sc)
✅ Checkpoint: You now have a long stem that widens at the top into a triangular tree shape.
Section 2: Star (Gold, make 1)
Rnd 1: Leaving a 6-inch starting tail, make a magic ring, work [ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from hook, sc in ring] 5 times, join with a sl st to the first ch. Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail (5 star points)
Section 3: Tree Garland (Gold)
Using your tapestry needle and the gold yarn tails, or by working surface slip stitches along the diagonal rows of the tree:
– Create three slanted lines across the tree branches from left to right to mimic tinsel garlands. Fasten off and weave in all loose ends on the wrong side.
Assembly and Finishing
- Attach the Star: Position the Gold star at the very top tip of the triangular tree (Row 22). Use the starting and ending yarn tails of the star to securely stitch it to the front of the tree.
- Weave Ends: Thread all remaining yarn ends through your tapestry needle and weave them neatly into the back (WS) of the crochet stitches. Trim any excess yarn.
- Blocking: Lightly steam or press the bookmark with a warm iron over a damp pressing cloth if needed to ensure it lies completely flat.
Size Customization Tips
- To make a longer bookmark for larger reference books or textbooks, simply add more rows to the straight stem section (Rows 2 to 14) before beginning the tree triangle decreases.
- To make a wider tree, start the foundation chain with more stitches and decrease gradually over more rows.
Care Instructions
- Hand wash gently in cool water using mild soap.
- Do not bleach or tumble dry.
- Lay flat on a clean towel and reshape to dry completely. Press with a warm iron if necessary.
FAQ
Can I use acrylic yarn instead of cotton?
Yes, you can use acrylic yarn, but cotton is recommended because it creates a flatter, stiffer fabric that slides smoothly between book pages without adding extra bulk.
How do I adjust the length of the bookmark?
You can easily customize the length by changing the number of rows in the stem section. Each additional row adds about a quarter-inch to the total length.
Is this project suitable for absolute beginners?
Definitely! It uses only basic foundation chains, single crochets, and simple decreasing, making it a wonderful and quick project for confident beginners.
Happy Crocheting!
I hope you enjoyed making this festive tree bookmark! Be sure to save this pin on Pinterest to keep it handy for your holiday gift-making list, and let me know in the comments what colors you chose for your forest!
📄 Your free PDF pattern